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Gordon Brown has said he and Barack Obama will work together to meet the “big challenges” of climate change, the financial crisis, energy, disease and terrorism.

Speaking a week before Mr Obama is due to be sworn in as the first black US President, the Prime Minister told The Sun that there will be “historic opportunities” to change the world.

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He said: “There has never been a time that co-operation between the two countries and the rest of the world is more necessary. There has never been so many challenges that can only be met by two people working together.

“There are historic opportunities which exist over the next period of time to meet the big challenges – of climate change, the financial crisis, energy, security and terrorism. I look forward to meeting all those challenges with President Obama.”

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He also said the two countries would collaborate in efforts to eradicate global diseases such as malaria, HIV and cancer.

Mr Brown has previously promised to work closely with Mr Obama and re-emphasised their shared values, saying: “We both stand for the freedom of people around the world, individual liberty, democracy and for progress.”

He also insisted the bond between Britain and the US would be stronger than ever under the incoming President: “The special relationship will be one so strong, no power on earth can ever drive us apart.”

Praising Mr Obama for his run to the White House, he said: “It is extraordinary for any individual to come in in this way and break down so many barriers and to do so in such a short time.

“He has a big vision of how America can contribute to the long-term prosperity of the world as well as peace. He has a good command of practical detail. Whenever there is a new President and there is someone as big as this – who, 20 years ago could never have been elected by the American people – there are huge opportunities.

“People will look at America and will say, ‘Let’s see what the changes are going to be’.”